Parliamentary questions

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

72. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education her plans to increase capacity of secondary school places in the Dublin mid-west area; the status of any proposed school building projects in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16365/24]

Departmental Properties

Mark Ward

125. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education for an update of the transfer of a plot of land in a school (details supplied) from her Department and the Dublin Education and Training Board to the HSE that is required to progress the delivery of a primary care centre in north Clondalkin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16366/24]

Home Schooling

Mark Ward

285. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if grants are available to a group organising home education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16027/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

334. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the updated timeline for appointment of a contractor to build a post-primary school (details supplied) as the tender process has been completed since October 2023 but no contractor has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16510/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

356. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education which school building projects if any in Dublin Mid-West have been awarded additional funding from the National Development Plan; to list these schools and how much has been allocated; what is the purpose of this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16707/24]

An Garda Síochána

Mark Ward

495. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the response times of gardaí in the DMR area for antisocial behaviour; the percentage of calls that relate to antisocial behaviour received by gardaí, by year, from 2019 to present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16081/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

747. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the number of public inpatient beds for adults with eating disorders; the cost of operating one bed per year; if there will be an increase in beds in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16708/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

182. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on the review of a patient (details supplied); if the CAMHS team had a failure of duty of care to this individual; if consent was needed from the parents for their son to go on medication; if this was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15754/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

521. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the process involved in issuing a letter of intent for a school building project; the average time required for issuing a letter of intent; the current delay in issuing the letter of intent for an extension building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14887/24]

Housing Schemes

Mark Ward

635. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the statutory time where a social housing application must be processed by a local authority; if this is the same for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14282/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mark Ward

780. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of applicants refused for the domiciliary care allowance on first application; how many first applicants appealed this decision; how many first-time applicants were successful on appeal; how many were successful on a second application in 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14604/24]

Prison Service

Mark Ward

915. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the number of committals to challenging behaviour units in prisons in 2023; the number of these that represented repeat committals, by prison, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14969/24]

Prison Service

Mark Ward

916. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the maximum number of times any person was committed to a challenging behaviour unit (CBU) in 2023; the maximum amount of time that any prisoner spent in a CBU in 2023 in any one admission; the maximum amount of time that any prisoner spent in a CBU in 2023 across multiple admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14970/24]

An Garda Síochána

Mark Ward

917. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice the funding allocated to Garda youth diversion projects in the Dublin mid-west area; the funding for the Clondalkin area; for a breakdown of where this funding is allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14985/24]

Disability Services

Mark Ward

1130. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the lisbrí unit in Cherry Orchard Hospital will be closing; if so, the reason the unit is closing; when this will take place; the plans for the residents of this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14562/24]

Departmental Policies

Mark Ward

1163. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services standards developed by HIQA and the Mental Health Commission and submitted for Ministerial approval in July 2022 were approved; if there is a delay in their approval; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15130/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1198. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to Jigsaw for 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13567/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1199. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there is a funding reduction of approximately €900,000 for Jigsaw this year and why; if this will lead to a reduction in services and to provide clarity on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13568/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1352. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 347 of 7 March 2024, if he can publish the legal advice given to the Minister for Mental Health in relation to regulating CAMHS under section 34 of the Mental Health Act, 2001; the person or body that gave this legal advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14279/24]

Health Services Staff

Mark Ward

1362. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health how many positions have been offered to individuals in the HSE that cannot be taken up as a result of the recruitment freeze; the breakdown of same, by CHO area; when the recruitment freeze will be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14313/24]

Hospital Closures

Mark Ward

1432. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if any additional units within Cherry Orchard Hospital will be closing over the next 12 months, given that the willow, sycamore and lisbrí units are closing; the plans for the remaining open units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14563/24]

Medical Aids and Appliances

Mark Ward

1469. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the reason a person who was previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but is now diagnosed with type 1 diabetes cannot receive a continuous glucose monitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14710/24]

Departmental Funding

Mark Ward

1490. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to outline an itemised list of how the 2023 mental health budget allocation was spent, in tabular form, including the costs for existing levels of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14825/24]

Departmental Funding

Mark Ward

1491. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to report on the total amount of funds moved from the health budget to the children, equality, disability, integration and youth budget; to report on how the transfer of moneys for the Department of Disability will be recorded in health budgets going forward; to report on how the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will now report on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/24]

Mental Health Policy

Mark Ward

1492. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when the new Implementation Plan for Sharing the Vision will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14827/24]

Suicide Prevention

Mark Ward

1493. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when the updated suicide prevention strategy will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14828/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1535. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on plans to complete the phased opening of the Central Mental Hospital and increase the operational bed capacity to its intended capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14971/24]

Suicide Prevention

Mark Ward

1538. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to the National Office of Suicide Prevention, by year for 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14982/24]

Disabilities Assessments

Mark Ward

1539. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if an individual can receive funding towards a private assessment of needs; if they can apply for this in advance of the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14983/24]

Air Corps

Mark Ward

61. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the future plans for Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; if the aerodrome has the capacity to maintain the two Airbus C295W’s, located at the site, and the C295 military transport aircraft in production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12765/24]

Bus Services

Mark Ward

76. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the capacity of public buses along the C spine route from Lucan; what measures are being taken to address overcrowded buses at peak times along this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12767/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

397. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education for an update on the review of the second tender report for a school (details supplied); when the school can expect to be contacted on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11856/24]

Social Welfare Schemes

Mark Ward

506. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the ongoing supports available for survivors of abuse in industrial schools, reformatories and related institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12775/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Mark Ward

1176. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when applications for the mother and baby institutions payment scheme are open, if an individual will be able to apply if they are residing abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12651/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1218. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the admission criteria for Linn Dara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11554/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1219. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of young people that were admitted to Linn Dara from 2020 to present; the percentage of these who were from outside the catchment area, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11555/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

1220. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if funding for private hospital care is available to persons with eating disorders who are not accepted to public facilities for care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11556/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

1221. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the eating disorder services model of care is to be updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11557/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

1222. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who were admitted to hospitals for eating disorders since 2020; the average length of hospitalisation for eating disorders during this time period; if readmissions occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11558/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

1223. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the mental health treatments available to eating disorder patients who are reliant on a nasogastric tube; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11559/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

1224. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels of specialist eating disorder teams by CHO area; the steps being taken to improve retention and recruitment within eating disorder teams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11560/24]

Eating Disorders

Mark Ward

1225. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the rollout of eating disorder teams; the funding allocated to the rollout for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11573/24]

Primary Care Centres

Mark Ward

1293. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recruitment of staff for the new primary care centre in Clondalkin on the Boot Road; the status of staff vacancies (details supplied); how they have progressed since then; if they will be in place for the opening of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/24]

Mental Health Commission

Mark Ward

1294. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the Draft Overarching National Standards for the Care and Support of Children using Health and Social Care Services standards developed by HIQA and the Mental Health Commission, and submitted for Ministerial approval in July 2022, were approved; if there is a delay in their approval; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11921/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1324. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 29 February 2024, if the HSE can provide an update on the 45 recommendations that fall under its remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12015/24]

Hospital Services

Mark Ward

1333. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health his views on the services that have been reduced at a hospital (details supplied); the steps being taken to restore the level of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12084/24]

Mental Health Commission

Mark Ward

1344. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of reviews of reported deaths carried out by the Standards and Quality Assurance division of the Mental Health Commission in each year of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12143/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1345. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths in approved centres and mental health services reported to the coroner for the past ten years; the follow up procedures when a death is reported in an approved centre; if records of findings are maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12144/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

1346. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of wrongful death cases relevant to deaths in mental healthcare taken in a civil litigation context against the HSE by bereaved persons in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12145/24]

Health Services

Mark Ward

1450. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the timeline, process and rationale used, that resulted with the need to move residents from a unit (details supplied); what engineering reports and risk assessments were carried out that led to the decision to transfer residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12669/24]

Departmental Strategies

Mark Ward

1506. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the Connecting for Life Implementation Plan 2023-2024; for an update on the status of the seven goals in the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13040/24]

Departmental Strategies

Mark Ward

1507. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to comment on the aims of goal seven in the Connecting for Life Implementation Plan 2023-2024 in relation to better quality data on suicide mortality across the entire population; for an update on what data is to be collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13041/24]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Mark Ward

272. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection when applying domiciliary care allowance for a child if a diagnosis is required (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11278/24]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Mark Ward

273. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection to provide the qualifying criteria for an applicant for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11290/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

347. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he has the statutory powers under Section 34 of the Mental Health Act 2001 to regulate CAMHS; if he will do so as it is the primary recommendation made by the Mental Health Commission in its report on CAMHS; why he has not done so to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11235/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

348. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of individuals that have been seen by the national clinical care programme for self-harm and suicide related ideation by year since it was established; the number of individuals that received a follow up appointment after being discharged for the same time period; the services offered to these individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11238/24]

Health Services

Mark Ward

353. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for a timeframe for the fully domestic provision of gender and sexual health services which are in line with international best practice and based on informed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11273/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

424. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Lucan area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11444/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

425. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Clondalkin area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11445/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

426. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Rathcoole area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11446/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

427. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Newcastle area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

428. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Palmerstown area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

429. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Brittas area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not to be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11449/24]

Departmental Data

Mark Ward

430. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of public health nurses in the Saggart area; if developmental checks are being offered to newborns in the area for the appropriate month milestones; what options are available to parents if their children are not be offered appointments due to staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11450/24]

Bus Services

Mark Ward

48. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if there will be increased frequency of the C1, C2, C3 and C4 buses at peak times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

311. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the action her Department is taking to ensure that a project in a school (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity, given the many delays already faced and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10522/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

338. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to build new secondary schools in the Lucan area given the recent population growth; what planning is in place to address this shortage of secondary school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10832/24]

Sports Funding

Mark Ward

357. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available for young people to engage in and represent Ireland in kickboxing abroad; how can people and sports clubs apply for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10563/24]

Health Services

Mark Ward

668. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the work carried out for the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI people since the publishing of The LGBTIreland Report; if there are plans for an updated study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10140/24]

Medical Consent

Mark Ward

744. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if an individual with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder can make an advanced directive or decision to the right to taper their medication; if so, to outline the process to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10574/24]

Health Services Staff

Mark Ward

753. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologists employed in Wexford; how many vacant positions there are; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10640/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

754. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health about mental health funding for voluntary mental health organisations in Wexford, and how much was allocated from 2020 to the present; how groups can apply for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10641/24]

Health Services

Mark Ward

757. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to comment on funding and availability of the post mastectomy grant; if this funding is to be reduced, the reasoning behind this; if this will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10678/24]

Hospital Facilities

Mark Ward

34. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update the movement of elderly residents out of the willow and sycamore units in Cherry Orchard Hospital; if he will provide a progress report on works carried out at the units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9582/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

74. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the 49 recommendations made by the Mental Health Commission in its report on CAMHS; how many of these recommendations have been addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9605/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Mark Ward

451. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when applications for the mother and baby institutions payment scheme will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9211/24]

Mother and Baby Homes

Mark Ward

465. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it will be possible for a person to apply for the mother and baby institutions payment scheme if their relative who was the deceased relevant person died prior to 13 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9330/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

551. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of people waiting for an appointment through the counselling in primary care service, by CHO area and by time waiting, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8988/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

552. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of people who received counselling from the counselling in primary care service, by year since 2019 and by CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8989/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

553. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of counselling sessions delivered by the counselling in primary care service, by year since 2019, by CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8990/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

554. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the cost of the counselling in primary care service, by year since 2019; the average cost of delivering a session, inclusive of staffing and administration costs, in the same period; the funding allocated to the counselling in primary care service per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8991/24]

An Garda Síochána

Mark Ward

4. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 31 January 2024, why the Garda National Vetting Bureau does not have a role in vetting local authority housing applicants; if there is capacity within the Garda National Vetting Bureau to assist local Garda superintendents with this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8393/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

145. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the progress made on a school extension (details supplied) to the final stages of the tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8548/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

273. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number on the waiting list for CAMHS for the month of January, by CHO, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8444/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

274. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of filled posts, by job description, within the community mental health services in Clondalkin; the number of vacancies per post; the steps being taken to fill these vacant positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8449/24]

Insurance Coverage

Mark Ward

58. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance what measures the Government is taking to tackle age discrimination amongst travel insurance providers; if individuals under the age of 66 can get health cover for up to 60 days; the reason individuals over the age of 66 only get health cover for up to 31 days when travelling abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8136/24]

School Staff

Mark Ward

88. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education what plans are in place to ensure school caretakers will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a similar deal as school secretaries; when an update will be provided on this work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8327/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

90. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education for an update on the review of the second tender report for a school (details supplied); when the school can expect to be contacted on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8342/24]

School Facilities

Mark Ward

207. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) has not received agreed funding for security measures after a serious incident at the school in October 2022; the reason for the delay in the school accessing this funding; when it will receive funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7339/24]

School Accommodation

Mark Ward

209. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education what accommodation will be provided for a school (details supplied) to increase the number of new pupils it can enrol in September 2024, to meet the needs of the community; when the accommodation will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7344/24]

Mental Health Services

Mark Ward

320. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health about the capital plan working group tasked with the development of a ten-year plan to address the existing and future capital requirements within mental health; who is on this working group; how often they will meet; when such a plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7109/24]

Rail Network

Mark Ward

100. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the development of Kishogue train station; when this can be expected to be completed; the additional cost to works caused by the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7054/24]

Social Welfare Payments

Mark Ward

228. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is possible for someone in receipt of a social welfare payment to leave the country for a period of longer than two weeks to support family in the time of bereavement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6683/24]

Medical Cards

Mark Ward

557. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if the shingles vaccine is covered on the medical card scheme; if not, there are plans to include it under the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6078/24]

Health Service Executive

Mark Ward

558. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new proposed HSE taskforce to target savings and productivity; who the members of the taskforce will be; if independent members will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6079/24]

Community Development Projects

Mark Ward

594. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she can confirm receipt of a request for an extension of the community centre investment fund project allocation from (details supplied) for six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5077/24]

Bus Services

Mark Ward

8. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to address antisocial behaviour on Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Bus services or towards their staff; what supports are available to their staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4599/24]

Bus Services

Mark Ward

60. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the curtailment of the No. 13 bus service in the Bawnogue area in the evenings; what measures are in place for replacement services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4600/24]

Schools Building Projects

Mark Ward

55. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to build new secondary schools in Newcastle and Rathcoole given the recent population growth; what planning is in place to address this shortage of secondary school places in both areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4488/24]

Social Welfare Benefits

Mark Ward

94. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection what options are open to a person who was previously in full-time employment and is now in full-time education in regard to availing of social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4406/24]